How to Elope in Michigan

The Ultimate Guide for Adventurous Couples

If you’re dreaming of an intimate, scenic wedding day, eloping in Michigan might be the perfect choice. With its diverse landscapes – from rugged shorelines and lush forests to charming small towns – Michigan offers countless breathtaking elopement locations. Whether you’re looking for a cozy cabin ceremony, a beachside vow exchange, or a hidden woodland retreat, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about planning your Michigan elopement.

Why Elope in Michigan?

Michigan is an elopement paradise, offering stunning scenery and plenty of privacy for couples who want a meaningful, stress-free wedding experience. Here are a few reasons why couples choose Michigan for their elopement:

• Diverse Landscapes: From the shores of the Great Lakes to rolling vineyards and dense forests, Michigan has a backdrop for every style of elopement.
• Four-Season Beauty: Whether you want a summer beach elopement, a colorful fall forest ceremony, a winter wonderland wedding, or a springtime orchard setting, Michigan delivers year-round beauty.
• Budget-Friendly Options: Eloping in Michigan can be more affordable than a traditional wedding, with plenty of free or low-cost scenic locations. At the very least, you can use the money saved on a large, expensive venue and put that towards other activities on your elopement day.
• Unique Venues: Choose from secluded cabins, lighthouses, historic inns, waterfalls, and private estate rentals for a one-of-a-kind experience.

Step 1: Choose the Best Michigan Elopement Location

When selecting the perfect place to elope in Michigan, consider what scenery speaks to you as a couple. Here are some top elopement destinations in Michigan:

Northern Michigan and Upper Peninsula Elopements

• Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore: Iconic sandstone cliffs, turquoise waters, and secluded beaches make this a stunning location.
• Mackinac Island: A charming, car-free island with historic architecture, horse-drawn carriages, and incredible views.
• Porcupine Mountains State Wilderness Area: Take the hike from Lake of the Clouds to Mirror Lake and camp out under the stars or say your “I dos” with the magnificent waterfalls at Presque Isle River Area as your backdrop.

West Michigan and Lake Michigan Elopements

• Sleeping Bear Dunes: Climb the dunes to say your “I dos” with stunning and absolutely unreal views of the blue waters of Lake Michigan behind you.
• Saugatuck and Holland: Known for their artistic vibes, dunes, and scenic waterfronts
• Ludington State Park: A mix of beaches, forests, and a historic lighthouse

Thumb Region and East Michigan Elopements

• Port Austin and Turnip Rock: A hidden gem for couples who love adventure. Although access is restricted to Turnip Rock, you can kayak or take a charter tour boat along the coast from Port Austin to get here.
• Bay City and Saginaw Bay: Waterfront parks and charming historic buildings
• Caseville and Sleeper State Park: Quiet, scenic beaches and cliffs with stunning sunsets and sunrises.

Southeast and Metro Detroit Elopements

• Detroit Rooftop and Historic Venues: An urban-chic elopement with city skyline views
• Belle Isle: A gorgeous island park with a mix of nature and city views
• Stony Creek and Other Metro Parks: Stony Creek Metropark offers a wide array of different backdrops for you from rows of pine trees to the beach along Stony Creek Lake

To learn about more awesome locations in Michigan that you can elope at, check out our Location Guide!

Michigan is a gorgeous state with all of it’s natural beauty. In order to keep it beautiful, we all need to work together to make sure our impact in nature doesn’t destroy it for future generations. To learn about how you can help when planning and on your elopement day, please check out our blog post on Leave No Trace principles!

Step 2: Plan Your Michigan Elopement Logistics

Marriage License Requirements

To legally elope in Michigan, you’ll need:

• A marriage license from the county where one of you resides (valid anywhere in the state). Out-of-State couples must apply in the county where they plan to marry.
• Contact your county clerk for specific requirements on what you will need to apply and times and dates that are important.

Officiants and Witnesses

• Michigan requires an officiant to perform the ceremony. This can be a religious leader, judge, or ordained friend.
• You will need two witnesses, age 18 or older. If you’re having a private elopement, some photographers or other vendors can serve as witnesses.

Step 3: Hire Your Michigan Elopement Photographer and Videographer

Since elopements are intimate, choosing a photographer and videographer who can capture your love story authentically is crucial. Look for a professional who:

• Specializes in elopements and understands the unique, adventurous nature of these ceremonies.
• Offers both photography and videography to ensure your day is documented beautifully in all forms.
• Helps with location scouting, timeline planning, and vendor recommendations.
• We are a husband and wife photo and video team located right in Michigan and we specialize in Michigan elopements. We offer planning help for your elopement day plus we capture your big day! To check out what we have to offer, head on over to our website.

Step 4: Plan Your Michigan Elopement Timeline

A well thought out timeline ensures a smooth, relaxed day when you elope in Michigan. Remember, you don’t have to limit your elopement day to an hour or two. We encourage all elopement couples to make a whole day out of it. You can still have an 8 hour + elopement day adding in fun activities, picnics, romantic dinners, star gazing, etc. The possibilities are endless.

Here’s a sample timeline for a sunset elopement:

12:00 pm: Lunch picnic in the park

1:00 pm: Explore the area

2:00 pm: Getting ready at a cozy Airbnb or cabin

3:00 pm: First look and private vows

4:00 pm: Ceremony at a scenic overlook or secluded beach with 10 of your favorite friends and family

5:00 pm: Couples Portraits in different locations

7:00 pm: Dinner at a local restaurant with friends and family

8:00 pm: Bonfire, stargazing, or private first dance

*This is a basic example of what your day could be like. For a more detailed view, we will sit down and discuss everything you would like to see for your elopement day.*

Step 5: Add Meaningful Elopement Details

Make your elopement day special by incorporating unique touches:

• Personalized vows: Write heartfelt promises to each other.
• Adventure Activities: Go kayaking, hiking, or take a scenic boat ride.
• Elopement Attire: Choose a dress or suit that fits your location (flowy dress for the beach, boots for hiking).
• Incorporate Your Pets: Michigan is mostly pet-friendly, and many locations allow dogs in your ceremony.

Step 6: Celebrate Your Michigan Elopement

Just because you’re eloping doesn’t mean you can’t celebrate! Some ideas include:

• Booking a romantic cabin or lakeside retreat
• Hosting a small family dinner after the ceremony
• Planning a honeymoon road trip through Michigan’s scenic routes

Remember, just because you’re eloping doesn’t make your wedding day any less than those that choose a large, traditional wedding. What’s important is the two of you share in your love, doing things that you love to do together.

Final Thoughts on Eloping in Michigan

Eloping in Michigan offers an incredible opportunity to have an intimate, adventure-filled wedding day surrounded by stunning scenery. Whether you choose the dramatic cliffs of the Upper Peninsula, the golden dunes along Lake Michigan, or a charming historic town, Michigan has the perfect elopement location for you.

Ready to start planning your Michigan elopement? Contact us today to capture your love story with stunning photography and videography that reflects the magic of your day!